Fulham 1 - Stoke 0: Martin Jol hails his Dimi-star

DIMITAR BERBATOV showed his class again to end any fears of relegation for Fulham.

Berbatov received a standing ovation when substituted for a performance that was up with the best

The game had been drifting away from Martin Jol’s side and Stoke could easily have snatched victory.

But Berbatov’s superb volley into the top corner was good enough to earn all three points for the hosts.

The goal, in first-half stoppage time, followed Ashkan Dejagah’s flick down the right for Sascha Riether, whose cross was headed out by Robert Huth but dropped to Berbatov just inside the box.

The Bulgarian took a look over his shoulder and belted his volley into the top corner – then ran straight to Jol to celebrate.

Berbatov was as nonchalant off the pitch as he seems to be on it, saying: “I practice it in training. It’s just a moment when you need to do something special – and you do it.”

Jol was more effusive. He said: “I feel you always need special, professional players who can make a difference and today it was Dimitar.’’

Then it was down to Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to save a penalty from Jon Walters and preserve their lead.

Berbatov, Jol and other teammates share a moment after scoring Fulham's decisive strike

I feel you always need special, professional players who can make a difference and today it was Dimitar.

Martin Jol

He was called into action 10 minutes into the second half when Stoke were awarded a penalty when Brek Shea, on as a substitute for Matt Etherington, had his cross charged down by Dejagah and the referee pointed to the spot.

But Schwarzer got down to his right to save Walters’ kick.

Stoke’s Steven N’Zonzi took a smack on the nose from Berbatov and needed lengthy treatment. The French midfielder was then lucky to stay on the pitch when he slapped Bryan Ruiz right in front of the referee but escaped with a yellow card.

Peter Crouch had set up a rare Stoke chance, sending Walters down the right flank for a shot which Schwarzer palmed away.

But Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic was the busier as he saved efforts from John Arne Riise, Giogos Karagounis and Steve Sidwell.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: “The first half was flat, the only real quality was Berbatov’s great strike.

“In the second half we missed the penalty and that’s been our story away from home – not taking chances in tight games.”